ONE of Yorkshire's most unusual tourist attractions has been sold for more than its £675,000 asking price.

Stump Cross Caverns has been bought by Richard Bowerman, the head brewer for Scottish and Newcastle Brewery and site manager at Theakston's Brewery, Masham.

Mr Bowerman, married with three young children, has taken time off work while they take over the caverns, which last changed hands in 1926.

The caves, which lie on the moors high above Pateley Bridge, attract more than 60,000 visitors each year. They were discovered in 1858 by lead miners and their stalactites, stalagmites and unusual formations make them some of the most significant caves in the region.

They were sold, along with the visitor centre and two-bedroomed house, when owner Gordon Hanley, a member of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, decided to retire. He had acted as a guide at the centre since 1961.

Giles Bilton, of Carter Jonas, handled the sale and said there had been a lot of interest. "This has to be one of the more unusual properties we have been asked to market and interest was very high, with about 400 inquiries," he said.